The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is located at the the bottom of the sternum and over the stomach. It is associated with our ego identity and the colour yellow. This chakra has to do with our personal power, confidence, capability, influence, and strength. It also has to do with self-esteem, competence, will, autonomy, personality, and resilience. When not in alignment, it feels like we are swayed in the external world rather than being in our own personal power, therefore being powerless and having a lack of a sense of self. It can lead to being reckless, confused about who we are, and to seek validation from others.

Our ego, which is our personal identity, is developed through our life so that we can interact, negotiate, and explore the world. If we end up getting too attached to this sense of self that we've created from our experiences, the result can be painful, traumatic, and have a deep sense of loss when things change, as they always do. We need challenges in life to develop this inner grit, or else we won't get to know ourselves.

We forget that we are a branch of the Universal Self (the spirit source) at the core of our being which is always whole and complete and is the true source of our empowerment, neither inflated nor weak. When we know our worth, we also know our boundaries, not tolerating harm or abuse from ourselves or from others. When we know who we are, we know we are valuable in the tapestry of life.

If this chakra is too strong, or overactive, we can tend towards being manipulative, exploitative and controlling, maybe even dangerously so.

This energy centre supports psychological development. Who we are is not conditional on what we have or what we do or where we came from.

The physical area of the solar plexus is often tight. Expand your breath down into the belly so that you use your diaphragm muscle and you can relax into your you-ness.

Reflect:

How do you value yourself?

Do you feel free to express who you are in your own unique way?

Do you feel free to access your own power?